Sheet metal framing member having a j-shaped flange

ABSTRACT

A sheet metal framing member having a J-shaped retention flange is disclosed herein. The innovative sheet metal framing member is made from a continuous piece of sheet metal and is especially configured for use in a wall assembly. The sheet metal framing member comprises a U-shaped track section (for receiving a plurality of studs) connected to a J-shaped retention flange (for retaining a piece of drywall). The U-shaped track section includes a first web connected to confronting first and second flanges, and the J-shaped retention flange includes a second web connected to the second flange and a third flange. The second flange confronts and is between the third flange and the first flange, and the height of the second flange is greater than the height of the first flange, while the first web is parallel to the second web.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/259,388 filed on Nov. 24, 2015, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entireties for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to sheet metal framing members used in the construction of buildings and, more particularly, to a sheet metal track framing member having a J-shaped flange for retaining a piece of drywall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Metal framing assemblies used to construct commercial and residential buildings are common in the building construction arts. These metal framing assemblies are generally constructed from a plurality of metal framing members including studs, joists, trusses, and other metal posts and beams formed from sheet metal and frequently fabricated to have the same general cross-sectional dimensions as standard wood members used for similar purposes. Metal framing members are typically constructed by roll-forming 12 to 24 gauge galvanized sheet steel. Although many cross-sectional shapes are available, the primary shapes used in building construction are C-shaped studs and U-shaped tracks.

In the building construction trade, a head-of-wall joint (also sometimes referred to as a top-of-wall joint) refers to the linear junction or interface existing between a top section of a framing/wallboard wall assembly and the ceiling (where the ceiling may be a next-level floor or corrugated pan roof deck, for example). Head-of-wall joints often present a serious challenge in terms of reducing or preventing the spread of smoke and fire during a building fire.

There is still a need in the art for new and improved profiles. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides for further related advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts and features throughout the several views of the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an end view (profile view) of a sheet metal framing member having a J-shaped retention flange in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end view (profile view) of the sheet metal framing member having a J-shaped retention flange as shown in FIG. 1, but with the “J” retention flange feature highlighted by being encircled.

FIG. 3 is an end view (profile view) of a sheet metal framing member having a J-shaped retention flange having a fire retardant strip positioned along an outer surface of a flange in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and wherein the framing member is attached to an overhead framing element (structural and non-structural).

FIG. 4 is an end view (profile view) of the sheet metal framing member having a J-shaped retention flange as shown in FIG. 3, but with the “J” retention flange shown retaining a piece of drywall (gypsum panel).

FIG. 5 is an end view (profile view) of the sheet metal framing member having a J-shaped retention flange as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, but shown with a second sheet metal framing member having a J-shaped retention flange positioned on the opposite side of the overhead framing element (structural and non-structural) and also retaining the piece of drywall (gypsum panel).

FIG. 6 is an end view (profile view) of the sheet metal framing member having a J-shaped retention flange as shown in FIG. 3-5, but shown with sheet metal studs received into respective track sections.

FIG. 7 is another configuration of a wall assembly comprising a sheet metal framing member having a J-shaped retention flange in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8-11 are other views of the present invention.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements, and more particularly to FIGS. 1-8, the present invention in one embodiment is directed to a sheet metal framing member 10 having a J-shaped retention flange 12 useful for holding (retaining) studs and wallboard within a wall assembly (such as, for example, a shaft wall assembly). The innovative sheet metal framing member 10 is made from a continuous piece of sheet metal (such as, for example roll forming and/or brake pressing operations) and is especially configured for use in a wall assembly. The sheet metal framing member 10 comprises a U-shaped track section 14 (for receiving a plurality of studs 6, 15) connected to a J-shaped retention flange 12 (for retaining a piece of drywall 17). The U-shaped track section 12 includes a first web 16 connected to confronting first and second flanges 18, 20, and the J-shaped retention flange 12 includes a second web 22 connected to the second flange and 20 a third flange 24. As shown. the second flange 20 confronts and is between the third flange 24 and the first flange 18, and the height of the second flange 20 is greater than the height of the first flange 18, while the first web 16 is parallel to the second web 22.

As also shown, the height of the first flange 18 is greater than or equal to the height of the third flange 24. In addition, the width of the first web 16 is greater than the width of the second web 22.

In some embodiments and as shown in FIGS. 4-7, the innovative framing member 10 further comprises a fire retardant strip 19 positioned along an outer surface of the first flange 18. The fire retardant strip 19 may be an intumescent material and preferably extends beyond the web a small distance (− 1/16 inch).

While the present invention has been described in the context of the embodiments illustrated and described herein, the invention may be embodied in other specific ways or in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing descriptions, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. A sheet metal framing member (for use in a wall assembly) made from a continuous piece of sheet metal, comprising a U-shaped track section (for receiving a plurality of studs) connected to a J-shaped retention flange (for retaining a piece of drywall), wherein the U-shaped track section includes a first web connected to confronting first and second flanges, and wherein the J-shaped retention flange includes a second web connected to the second flange and a third flange, wherein the second flange confronts and is between the third flange and the first flange, and wherein the height of the second flange is greater than the height of the first flange, and wherein the first web is parallel to the second web.
 2. The sheet metal framing member of claim 1, wherein the height of the first flange is greater than or equal to the height of the third flange.
 3. The sheet metal framing member of claim 2, wherein the width of the first web is greater than the width of the second web.
 4. The sheet metal framing member of claim 1 or 3, further comprising a fire retardant strip positioned along an outer surface of the first flange.
 5. A sheet metal framing member consisting of a U-shaped track section connected to a J-shaped retention flange along a common shared flange. 